concerning the translation matter that interests us. I heard that you are very dissatisfied about something. What is it?

How? Why? Has it been possible to settle it? I know nothing. This is extremely, extremely sad. And there is urgent need to hurry, for hostile elements are outflanking us from the rear. We have done what we could here for obtaining what is lacking. One benefactor has been found. We are sending it. Please arrange things so that we are not left without information. At least once a week you must let us know about incoming translations, and so forth and so on. Otherwise there are only some rumors of dissatisfaction and nothing more. Some seem to be inventing a distinction between liquidationism and liquidators. What sophistry that is! We need neither one nor the other. Well, in any case, you yourselves will give them a rebuff. Greetings to V. M. My wife sends her warmest regards to you.

The Old Man

copies (subject to mail censorship)

Written 9 December 1910

Sent from Paris to Petersburg

First published in 1933

in the Lenin Miscellany XXV

Printed from the typescript